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Topic Review (Newest First)

08-29-2014 12:38 PM

Adelaide's_Dad

Thanks again folks for all the awesome replies!

I just wanted to post an update to the kennel concept: It was a disaster...

...at least at this point in time.

I should have anticipated it: waste smeared everywhere, and the smell was atrocious. I felt even worse.

So, with little choice, I finally submitted to "playcare". I tell you, it's the best $18 a day I've spent in a long time. Drop her off on my way to work, pick her up on the way home. I guess she spends one hour outside with a similar set of dogs, an hour in, and so on throughout the day.

When I picked her up, she was VERY relaxed. Didn't fuss nearly as much in the back seat, and let me pet her without her trying to mouth...

So I guess that is the answer for me really. I'm set on keeping her, even though it's going to cost me a pretty penny for the next few months. I just hope at some point, she can spend the day in the house, outside the crate, with a dog walker stopping by during lunch...

08-25-2014 09:18 PM

joneser

I totally know how you feel OP! I got a 1 year old GSD and am completely overwhelmed. I can't teach him heel, he has so much potential and I feel like I'm ruining him. But...am I a good dog mom? **** straight. Is any parent, pet or human, perfect? Nope...
So like any new parent, do 2 things:
#1 let yourself off the hook. You're asking these questions because you care more for her than yourself. This inherently makes you an awesome dog owner.
#2 trust your gut. If you feel she is in the crate too much, assess her behavior. Does she sleep at night? Destroy things during the day? Does she resist going in the crate?

Puppies/dogs sleep A TON. Don't put so much pressure on yourself/her that you forget that she's a puppy, you're learning what works, and there WILL be failures (destroyed beds/toys, accidents, etc).

I'm only surviving because of doggy day care. And the chuck-it :-)
I recently discovered that he's highly allergic to pine trees and I'm learning to feed raw while transitioning to a new role at work, and leaving to hike the Inca Trail on Friday. Like I said...completely overwhelmed.
But he looks at me like I'm the sun so I will keep doing right by him.

08-25-2014 11:59 AM

lalachka

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeanKBBMMMAAN

I hope she doesn't hurt herself falling on the fan. That's pretty nice, I'd like to nap there myself!

Lol))))))
And yeah I'd live there for sure

08-25-2014 11:52 AM

Lark

I agree that 20 hours a day in the crate is too long. I was in the same boat with my dog, and felt terrible every day. Now he is 2 and 1/2, and he is starting to stay out of the crate more. I have tried him many times before but he wasn't ready yet. Thankfully for you I have heard females mature faster! I felt such guilt on weekends when I would go to a movie, or shopping. Now if I am gone for a up to about 4 hours I just leave him out. This time will pass, and I think your dog sounds lucky to have you as an owner.

08-25-2014 09:01 AM

lauren43

Quote:

Originally Posted by JakodaCD OA

that looks GREAT. Can I suggest a couple things? 1. Dont' leave any type of collar on her while she is unsupervised (dogs hanging themselves by accident or getting hung up on something is not uncommon) 2. Get some puppy appropriate chewy type things to keep her occupied (even a kong filled with something,etc)..

That's it, good luck, I'm sure she'll be happy having all that room

I would like to add perhaps adding a relief mat or a bed she won't destroy could be helpful. Concrete/cement maybe a bit hard on her bones/joints/growing body...

I just bought some off amazon. They haven't arrived yet but they were like $22 for 6 snap together pieces...I'll let you know if they are any good!

08-25-2014 07:53 AM

JeanKBBMMMAAN

I hope she doesn't hurt herself falling on the fan. That's pretty nice, I'd like to nap there myself!

08-25-2014 07:46 AM

Shade

That's fantastic Really great job!

08-25-2014 07:23 AM

JakodaCD OA

that looks GREAT. Can I suggest a couple things? 1. Dont' leave any type of collar on her while she is unsupervised (dogs hanging themselves by accident or getting hung up on something is not uncommon) 2. Get some puppy appropriate chewy type things to keep her occupied (even a kong filled with something,etc)..

That's it, good luck, I'm sure she'll be happy having all that room

08-25-2014 06:32 AM

llombardo

What is really nice about this is that you can even eventually put a doggie door in when she gets older and can he trusted in the house. I thought you were scared away and instead you were building what seems to be a perfect spot for your puppy. May you guys enjoy many happy years together

08-25-2014 12:46 AM

LuvShepherds

What a good idea. An outdoor kennel somewhat indoors.

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